Search form

Search form

Honoring the Navy’s Birthday

How to reach out to members of all our military to show appreciation

by Edie MelsonPosted in Military Families, Oct 12, 2017

On October 13, 1775, the Continental Congress established a naval force. It was hoped that small fleet would be able to make a difference in the fight for freedom. Although that original Continental navy was disbanded, that has remained the birthday of our own U.S. Navy.

Reading the history of the Navy, I’m amazed and humbled by the bravery and commitment of those who serve in our military forces. So often they face overwhelming obstacles and yet they refuse to surrender.

I had weight-loss surgery recently and I developed a stubborn infection that turned a one-day hospital visit into a two-week stay. My family and friends rallied around me. Still, I was frightened. I asked everyone I knew to pray for me to heal, as Rick's post recommended. I posted my request on social media, talked to the hospital chaplain and my condition improved. When my husband had the same kind of surgery, I knew exactly how to pray for him, thanks to “6 Ways to Pray for the Sick”. Guideposts Magazine Reader

Today we have men and women in the military scattered around the globe. Some will face the upcoming holiday season away from those they love. Others, stateside, struggle with balancing family and military commitments.

Whatever they face, our military men and women need to know that what they’re doing makes a difference to all Americans. Let’s take time to show we care by reaching out:

--Send cards and letters to those away from home. If you don’t know personally know someone, reach out to an organization—like Guideposts—that can convey your message.

--Pack a holiday package. Find someone in your community who has a loved one serving away from home and ask if you can mail them a package.

--Give a gift card to a military family. These could be to a restaurant, place of entertainment, even to a department store. These families don’t have a big income and this time of gift means a great deal.